Car Seat Safety

A car seat is one of the most important purchases you’ll make for your child. But up to 70% of car seats have at least one installation error that could make them less than safe. A properly installed car seat can dramatically reduce potentially fatal injuries – especially for infants and toddlers. At Akron Children’s, there’s nothing more important to us than the safety and well-being of your child. That’s why we provide instructions and resources on choosing the right car seat, correct installation and more.

Car Seats, Booster Seats and Safety Belts

Children should be buckled into the appropriate harness car seat for their weight and height. After children outgrow their forward-facing harness seat, they should transition into a booster seat until they are age 8 or 4 feet, 9 inches tall and pass the five-step test. The American Academy of Pediatrics and Akron Children’s Hospital recommend all children under age 13 ride buckled in the back seat of a vehicle.
Please check you state’s laws regarding child safety seats.

Car Seat Guidelines

• Choose a seat that is correct for the age, weight and height of your child.
• Make sure it has a label that says it meets or exceeds Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
• We recommend purchasing a new seat. A used seat may have been involved in a crash and suffered unseen damage.
• Also, a used seat may be worn, expired or missing its safety labels and instructions.
• Check to see if your seat has been recalled. And fill out your product registration card so you can be notified in case your seat is.
• Learn how to properly install a seat. If you need help, many places like hospitals, health centers and fire departments have certified technicians or fitting stations that will teach you how to install it.

Find the right car seat for your child using the Safe Mobility Project car seat selector tool, here.

The Safe Mobility Project

The Safe Mobility Project is a collaboration between Akron Children’s Hospital and the Goodyear Foundation. It enables the hospital and community partner organizations to expand child safety programs focusing on child passenger seats, bike helmets and teen drivers.

Bringing more to childhood means helping your family safely make the most of every moment. For more information on car seat safety, see the links below.